Research and teaching assistantships and university, corporate, or national fellowships fund many of Rensselaer’s full-time graduate students. Generally, these internal awards are given to Ph.D. applicants.

A student’s ability to pay for his/her education has no bearing whatsoever on the admission decision. Both admissions and aid decisions are made on the basis of the candidate’s qualifications and suitability to the department’s research activities and needs.

Because admission is highly competitive, and resources for supporting graduate students may be limited, not all admissible candidates will receive offers of financial support.

Students who wish to be considered for any form of financial support should submit the application and all required materials no later than the January 1 deadline for the fall or summer semester or no later than the August 15 deadline for the spring semester. A decision of financial support may or may not accompany the admission decision.

The possible sources of financial support are your department of intent, outside fellowships, and Rensselaer’s Office of Financial Aid.

Academic departments are the most important sources of funding for the majority of graduate students. To be considered for financial aid, be sure to check the appropriate item on the financial aid section of the application form.

In addition to Institute and departmental assistance, prospective and current students are encouraged to pursue external funding, including corporate, foundation and private fellowships. Awards are made through the Office of Graduate Education, academic departments, and by outside agencies.